Deteriorating irrigation canals

Reports from different areas indicate that the irrigation canals used for the horticulture and agriculture land are not in a good condition. Till last few years their condition was good but it is not the case right now. The deteriorating condition of the canals is a cause of concern for the farmers. According to them no dredging, cleaning and repair in these canals has being done for last several years.

Accordingly the canals are shrinking or have turned into garbage dumps. In some areas, people throw garbage into these canals, causing pollution. If the situation continues like this the agricultural and horticulture land would lose means of irrigation. This should not happen. The orchards and paddy fields besides other fields need water.

The situation worsens particularly during dry spells. Horticulture and agriculture are the backbone of Kashmir's economy. The apple production and trade has revolutionised the Kashmir economy and has been key a factor for rural prosperity. For last several years the apple trade faced several challenges and efforts were made both at official and non- official levels to overcome the challenges.

While success was achieved in such efforts to some extent but more needs to be done in this direction. However, the deteriorating condition of irrigation canals is emerging as a new and big challenge, posing a threat to good crop productivity.

If such problems are allowed to continue and linger on without any solution, it can have serious consequences. The concerned government departments must take immediate steps to address the problem.

It has to be seen that if the dredging, cleaning and repair were being done in the past, why it is not being done for last few years. Immediate steps must be taken to restore the practice. The canals should be preserved and protected at all costs.

Not just the government departments, the people have a responsibility towards safeguarding these canals. The canals should not be converted into garbage dumps. Those must be safeguarded from pollution and consequent shrinking. And those polluting the canals have to be dealt with sternly.